Mizoram Turns Into a Haven for Refugees as 600 Manipur Tribals Flee to State

AIZAWL: Mizoram is turning into a safe haven for refugees, with the number of people seeking shelter in the state from violence-hit Manipur reaching nearly 600 on Sunday, according to official sources.

Refugees from neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh are already posing a burden to Mizoram. Till Sunday evening, 151 people belonging to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo community have entered Aizawl district, 228 in Kolasib district near Assam border and 217 others in Saitual district bordering Manipur, official sources said.

Temporary camps in several villages are lodging a majority of the displaced people, while others are being accommodated by their local relatives, the sources said.

According to Aizawl deputy commissioner Lalhriatzuali Ralte, proper arrangements have been made by the district administration to provide shelter and food to displaced people fleeing ethnic violence in the neighbouring state. Disaster Management Committees at the village and local councils level have also been reactivated, she said.

Mizoram is also currently providing shelter to about 30,000 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Following a military coup in February 2021, the Myanmar nationals have taken refuge in Mizoram, while the Kuki-Chin people from Bangladesh Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) had fled their villages due to the ongoing crackdown on an ethnic insurgent outfits by the Bangladesh Army in February last year.

Meanwhile, it has been informed that 131 out of 196 Mizos, who submitted their names to the state government, have been evacuated to Guwahati and Kolkata on Sunday, according to Mizoram home commissioner and secretary H. Lalengmawia.

Lalengmawia further stated that 37 more people would be evacuated to Guwahati by flights on Monday and another 28 on Tuesday.

It was confirmed by official sources that 45 students have been safely returned to the state on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Manipur violence has claimed the lives of 54 people, according to officials.

Violence between majority Meiteis and the tribal people of hill areas started when miscreants allegedly torched the Anglo-Kuki War memorial gate in Churachandpur district following a ‘tribal solidarity’ march organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) on Wednesday, which turned violent.

Also Read: Manipur: 23000 Relocated, Around 50 Dead and Hundred Hospitalized

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